Home
Evolution: A New Theory
Blog
Evolution Timeline
Human Evolution
Reference: Biology Dictionary
Biology Prefixes
Biology Suffixes
Prefixes & Suffixes
Biology Roots
Fields of Biology
Famous Biologists
News Pages: Environment
Animals
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Marine Biology
Health
General Biology
Astrobiology
Fossils
 Help Pages: Biology Websites
Biology Journals
Mitosis Tutorial
Meiosis Tutorial
  Site Info: About this Site
About Me
Site Plan
Contact
Privacy Policy
 

prokaryote cell Suffix Prefix Dictionary


page credits
Suffix Prefix Dictionary is the best online dictionary of biological and medical suffixes and prefixes -- and it's free. No registration required. This dictionary defines more biomedical suffixes and prefixes than any other online source, and provides examples of each (many of the examples have links to their definitions in the biology dictionary on this website). The list is alphabetical, which lets you look terms up even if you're not sure about their spellings. The two indexes below, one for prefixes, and one for suffixes, allow you to find prefix and suffix meanings by clicking on the first letter of the particular prefix or suffix you're looking for.
PREFIXES STARTING WITH (CLICK):
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U-Z

SUFFIXES STARTING WITH (CLICK):
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U-Z


What is an Affix?

Suffix Prefix Dictionary is a dictionary of affixes (suffixes and prefixes) used by biologists and physicians in constructing scientific names and terminology. In general, they are either of Latin or Greek derivation. An affix is a letter or series of letters attached to the beginning or end of a word, word base, or phrase to produce a derivative word with a new meaning. For example, in the word termitary, the suffix -ary, meaning connected with or belonging to, is attached to the end of the word termite (after dropping the e). So a termitary, a mound where termites live, is a place belonging to termites.

In general, the suffixes and prefixes used in constructing scientific terminology and med terms are either of Latin or Greek derivation. In constructing these terms, nearly always, a Latin prefix goes with a Latin suffix, and a Greek prefix goes with a Greek suffix. Word parts derived from proper names constitute an important exception.

Proper Names as Prefixes

In scientific names it is also common to use geographic and personal names as prefixes. Suffixes can also be derived from proper names (e.g., "-watt" in megawatt, or "-dalton" in kilodalton), but this is more unusual. Examples of geographic prefixes are altaicus (= residing in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia), europaeus (= European), anatoliensis (= occurring in Anatolia). An example of a personal name used as a prefix is rogersii (= of Rogers). Suffix Prefix Dictionary does not, of course, include the innumerable proper names used as prefixes in the construction of scientific names, but users should consider this possibility when they fail to find a particular prefix here in the dictionary.

Two Spelling Rules:

When a suffix beginning with a consonant is added to a root or prefix ending with a consonant, a vowel, usually -o-, is added as a connector.

Biological terminology and med terms of Greek or Latin origin ending in -a regularly drop the -a before a suffix beginning with a vowel:

pleura + -al = pleural
urea + -ic = ureic
lamina + -ectomy = laminectomy

Suffix Prefix Dictionary Search Engine

If you prefer, you can use the search engine below to find suffix and prefix meanings. Enter a search term in the box and click the Search button. The engine will then search through all of the suffix and prefix lists on this site and return any matches. Keep in mind that this search only finds exact matches. So your search term has to be spelled correctly. This search engine can also function as a reverse dictionary (for example, searching with the word yellow will locate the prefixes chloro-, ictero-, xantho-, and glauco-). When you click on the Search button, links to each match found to your search query will be displayed. Click on the links to access the information you seek. Note: This search engine is provided by Google, so ads may appear beside your search results.
Loading


Thanks for using Suffix Prefix Dictionary -- the Internet's most comprehensive biology prefixes and suffixes list!

Biology Dictionary | Famous Biologists | Biology News | Suffix Prefix Dictionary | Home

If you find any factual error or typo on this website, it will be greatly appreciated if you send in a message about the mistake. Please use the Contact Page, which allows you to remain anonymous if you wish. Thank you.

Disclaimer: We absolutely cannot provide specific information to individuals about their medical conditions or treatment.

Macroevolution.net freely provides a considerable amount of information to the public, however this information is designed for educational and informative purposes only. The creators and maintainers of this site will not engage in providing specific medical advice or professional services. The information provided by Macroevolution.net should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and it is not a substitute for professional medical care.

For all specific health and medical questions please consult your own primary health care physician for further information and advice.

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included on this site. Macroevolution.net and its creators and maintainers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information contained on these pages, nor for any actions made on the basis of information provided by the Macroevolution.net.

Suffix Prefix Dictionary (Top of Page)



footer for suffix prefix dictionary page